CHAPTER 5- THE FLOATING KINGDOM
280 Words
The mirror’s surface deepened, pulling Alora’s vision further.
The floating palace gleamed under twin moons. Bridges of crystal stretched across the sky. Towers shimmered with cascading light. It was breathtaking — powerful — alive with magic.
“This is Eldoria,” Cael said softly. “Your true home.”
“My parents are there,” Alora said, tears threatening her voice. “Why would they leave me?”
“To save you.”
The vision shifted.
Flames consumed the sky. Dark-winged creatures circled the palace. Nyxara stood at the edge of a battlefield, her black crystal crown blazing with power.
Alora saw her parents fighting — light clashing against shadow. But then—
The vision shattered.
Alora stumbled backward, gasping.
“What happened?” she demanded.
Cael’s jaw tightened. “The Obsidian Court invaded Eldoria seventeen years ago. The battle nearly destroyed both realms. Your parents hid you in Ember Hollow before the final assault.”
“They told me they died in a fire,” she whispered.
“Your memories were sealed,” Cael said. “For your safety. If Nyxara had sensed your power awakening sooner, she would have hunted you as a child.”
Alora’s chest tightened with anger and confusion.
“So they’re alive?”
Cael hesitated.
“They were alive when I last saw them.”
Her hope flared.
“Then we’re going there,” she said firmly.
Cael looked at her carefully.
“You are not ready.”
Alora lifted her glowing hand again. The crescent mark pulsed stronger now.
“Then make me ready.”
For the first time, Cael smiled.
“Very well, Princess of Eldoria. Your training begins at dawn.”
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